While I generally veer towards sheer foundation, I do like to dial up the coverage in Winter, particularly during party season! If you're a fan of a perfected everyday base or just fancy a flawless finish for special occasions, this is my edit of full cover foundations worth trialling.
As the name suggests, full cover foundation should provide complete cover, no extra concealing required, though I do like to add a little light reflection under my eyes. Everyone's skin is different, so do what works for you - and go back in with concealer on any redness or imperfections if needed. Thankfully, the newest foundation releases are much more forgiving than the tide line inducing pan sticks of the previous generation. Lightweight, hydrating formulas paired with great pigments now have the capacity to deliver an airbrushed base with a radiant finish, evening out Winter complexions.
APPLICATION TIPS
Full cover foundation requires excellent skin prep, with well cleansed and hydrated skin. Fine layers of skincare create the ideal base, rather that one generous layer of moisturiser.
A primer isn't always necessary, but the right one can soften the look of pores and fine lines, reduce the amount of foundation required and add longevity to the finished look.
When it comes to applying the actual product, less is more. Start in the centre of the face where most of us need coverage most, then sheer out towards the size. You can always go back in and add another thin layer if required - it's easier to add than take away and cake face is never a good look!
Application is everything. A flat paint brush style foundation brush will add maximum coverage; a dampened beauty blender will give a lighter finish and a buffing brush sits somewhere in between.
If you're in the market for a full cover foundation, here are some worth checking out. Always get colour matched in store and request a sample if possible. It's important to see how a foundation looks in different lighting and wears on your skin, before forking out what's often a considerable amount of cash.
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless £34
Dior Skin Forever Undercover £36
Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Hydrating Longwear £27
Giorgio Armani Power Fabric £42
Hourglass Seamless Finish £42.
MAC StudioFix Soft Matte Foundation Stick £27
NARS radiant longwear foundation £35
Shiseido-Synchro-Skin-Self-Refreshing-Foundation £39
The Ordinary Coverage Foundation £5.90
Urban Decay All Nighter £29.50
YSL All Hours £35